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Cyclone season has returned to the Bay of Bengal, and Cyclone Dana is on the horizon this year. With winds reaching 100-110 kph (62-68 mph) and gusts up to 120 kph (74 mph), Dana is poised to impact the eastern coastline significantly. The Indian Meteorological Department has warned that it is set to make landfall late on Thursday, October 24, and early Friday, October 25. It's crucial to stay informed and prepare for potential disruptions in the days ahead.
West Bengal and Odisha are currently on high alert as they brace for the imminent landfall of Cyclone Dana, which has developed over east-central Bay of Bengal. The IMD has reported that this storm is expected to intensify significantly and evolve into a severe cyclonic storm as it moves northwestward across the bay. In addition to strong winds, the storm is forecasted to bring heavy rainfall to various districts in southern West Bengal, including Kolkata.
Travellers should be informed that flight operations at Kolkata Airport will be suspended for 15 hours, beginning at 6 PM on October 24, due to the anticipated effects of Cyclone Dana, according to a PTI report. The Kolkata airport authorities have decided to suspend flight operations for 15 hours, starting at 6 PM on Thursday, October 24, 2024, due to the potential impact of Cyclone Dana. An official from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) stated, “The step was taken keeping in mind the safety of passengers, airline employees, various equipment, navigational aids and infrastructure”.
Kolkata Airport - @aaikolairport - posted on X, formerly Twitter - “In view of Cyclone DANA's impact on the coastal region of West Bengal, including Kolkata, it has been decided to suspend the flight operations from 1800 IST on 24.10.2024 to 0900 IST on 25.10.2024 due to predicted heavy winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall at Kolkata.”
IndiGo and SpiceJet, who operate in the impacted areas, have released critical advisories for travellers. IndiGo's travel notice highlighted the increased chance of flight disruptions from Kolkata and Bhubaneswar. It said that passengers must frequently verify their flight statuses on the airline's website to remain updated. Furthermore, the airlines have also said that it is essential to anticipate waterlogged roads that may affect access to the airport, so planning ahead is vital. The airline also provides flexible refund options and alternative booking arrangements in case of cancellations, helping to safeguard your travel plans.
'In case of cancellations, please explore https://www.goindigo.in/plan-b.html to seamlessly opt for a refund or book an alternate flight,' said the Indigo advisory. 'Additionally, as you may find waterlogged roads en route to the airport, please plan your journey accordingly. Safe travels!'
SpiceJet also made the critical decision to suspend operations at Kolkata Airport during the cyclone's peak to ensure passenger safety. All travellers are encouraged to visit their website for the latest flight status updates. Their dedicated 24/7 customer care helpline can assist you with any changes or questions.
The impact of the cyclone extends beyond flights; trains are also experiencing significant disruptions. An official confirmed that more than 170 express and passenger trains in the South Eastern Railway (SER) area have been cancelled due to the severe storm conditions. Due to the impending cyclone, all ferry services in the Sunderbans area—covering North and South 24 Parganas districts and extending to Kolkata across the River Hooghly—have been temporarily suspended for the safety of passengers and staff.
Climate scientists are sounding the alarm: severe storms in South Asia are rising. Driven by the greenhouse gases that warm our planet, these storms are more frequent and increasingly extreme and unpredictable. We must act now to address climate change before these devastating impacts worsen.
